As the holiday season approaches, homes and gardens often adorn themselves with the vibrant colors of festive plants. Among these beloved decorations are the holiday cacti—Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti—each unique in their blooming times, appearances, and care needs. In this article we will discuss the difference between a Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus.
1. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii): A hallmark of the winter holidays, the Christmas cactus, scientifically known as Schlumbergera bridgesii or Zygocactus, boasts flattened stems with scalloped edges. One of its distinct features is its blooming time, typically from late November through December, coinciding with the Christmas season in many regions. The flowers are often pink, red, white, or a blend of these hues, creating a stunning display.
2. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata): The Thanksgiving cactus, also referred to as Schlumbergera truncata, shares similarities with the Christmas cactus but can be distinguished by the shape of its stem segments. The Thanksgiving cactus has more pointed and claw-like projections along its margins. It typically blooms a bit earlier than its Christmas counterpart, often in late fall, around the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. Its blossoms showcase a similar array of colors to the Christmas cactus.
3. Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri or Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri): In contrast, the Easter cactus, scientifically known as Hatiora gaertneri or Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, is recognized by its rounded and more symmetrical stem segments. As the name suggests, it tends to bloom around the Easter holiday, usually in spring. Its flowers can be various shades of pink, red, or purple, adding a delightful touch to the springtime atmosphere.
Key Differences:
Blooming Periods: Christmas cacti bloom closest to Christmas, Thanksgiving cacti typically bloom around Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti showcase their blossoms around Easter.
Stem Segments: Their stem shapes and edges differ subtly, with the Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti displaying scalloped and claw-like projections, respectively, while the Easter cactus exhibits more rounded segments.
Cultural Preferences: While their care requirements are quite similar—requiring well-draining soil, indirect light, and proper watering—understanding their natural blooming cycles aids in their cultivation and ensures a dazzling display of flowers during the holidays.
Caring for Holiday Cacti:
Light and Temperature: Indirect sunlight and consistent temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) foster healthy growth.
Watering: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings but avoid letting it completely dry out. Overwatering or waterlogged soil can cause root rot.
Humidity and Fertilization: Moderate humidity and occasional fertilization during the growing season can encourage robust blooms.
Whether you're captivated by the vibrant colors of the Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter cacti, these stunning plants bring joy and beauty to homes during their respective holiday seasons. Understanding their unique characteristics and care requirements ensures a long-lasting, blooming celebration year after year.
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